Stage 1 Conservation Measures

Mandatory Water Conservation Measures - Stage 1 Alert

Posted Date: 7/14/2009

1. The use of continuous running water from a hose, pipe, or faucet for the purpose of cleaning buildings and paved, tile, wood, plastic or other surfaces shall be prohibited, except in the event the Director determines that such use is the only feasible means of correcting a potential threat to health, sanitation or safety.

2. Every operator of a restaurant providing table service shall offer water only upon request and post table signs notifying its customers of drought conditions and that water is available upon request.

3. Every operator of a hotel, motel, or other commercial establishment offering lodgings shall institute daily washing of towels and linens only upon request and shall post signs in each room notifying customers of the drought condition

4. Any use of water that causes runoff to occur beyond the immediate vicinity of use shall be prohibited.

5. Watering shall be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. of any yard, orchard, park, golf course, recreational area, or other area containing vegetation with the following exceptions:

a. The irrigation of trees and shrubs shall be allowed by any means and at any time of the day provided that:

1. The irrigation shall be confined to the area within the drip line of a tree or shrub.

2. There shall be no run-off as a result of the irrigation.

3. That the irrigation shall not exceed 5 minutes to each tree or shrub during any 24-hour period.

b. The irrigation of plant material within commercial nurseries shall be allowed at any time of the day provided that:

1. The water is applied only to one plant or container of plants at a time; and

2. The water is applied by means of a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

c. The irrigation of golf course greens and City parks shall be allowed by any means and at any time of the day for the purpose of germinating seed, promoting growth of sod, or leaching minerals from the soil for new growth purposes only.

6. When a Stage One Drought Condition is declared, all Consumers shall reduce their water consumption by at least 10% below their average consumption for the same period of the previous year, or the year prior to the Stage One Drought Condition being declared.

The Director or his/her designee is authorized to turn off the water of any property that fails to make corrective changes to any broken water system, sprinkler, etc., within 24 hours of being notified by the City by posting in a conspicuous location on the property.

A first violation will result in a written notice without penalty. Subsequent violations in the same 12 month period are subject to fines of $150, $250 and $1,000 respectively. The $1,000 fine shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

Should you have any questions regarding the Stage 1 Mandatory Measures, please contact our Water Division at (626) 852-4838.